To receive or bestow a blessing is a precious gift. Blessings are beautiful companions as we journey through life, and at various thresholds to herald us through to the next stage of our journey. Blessings encourage and strengthen us in times of change and transition, in celebratory occasions and in times of loss.

Blessings invite us to pause, recognize, acknowledge and express our appreciation, gratitude and love. They invite us into a sacred realm, and into community with one another. Blessings are synonymous with consecrations, dedications, benedictions, and sanctifications. Blessings are especially important in  our lives, some are chosen, others situations can be outside our control, and may stun us, throwing us off solid ground. Regardless, as we move forward, we inevitably must leave something behind and greet something new.  Honoring these significant times in our lives is vital to our well being and that of others.

Reverend Robert Brumet offers the following wisdom, “Certainly, there is much that is good and true contained within our social customs, yet often our conventional wisdom contains only half-truths. Good as it is that we celebrate beginnings, endings also need to be honored and even celebrated. We can truly experience a new beginning only when we have fully recognized the ending that preceded it. Most of us do not handle endings very well as we want to avoid feelings of grief. The importance of an ending is understated when we fail to acknowledge the impact that it has on our lives, when we discount or minimize the effect it has on us” (Rev. Robert Brumet)

Grief is a testimony of our love.

Taking a little time to recognize and celebrate the meaningful ways in which people have served with spirit, have given the best of themselves, in heart, body, mind and spirit is a gift beyond measure. Caregivers who have sacrificed and poured themselves out for the benefit of others, is a profound act of love. Creating a sacred space to bless and to honor the leave taking matters. Sensitivity and care are needed to respect the person's wishes, with the understanding that they can guide the process beautifully. 

In the giving of a blessing we are doubly blessed.

“Fill us then with your love and let us be bound together, united in the one spirit which makes your presence known in the world, and witness to the ultimate reality that is love. “(Richard Rohr)

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Watercolor by ~liz